There are two sides to summer. On the one hand, you love getting to spend more time outdoors doing the things you enjoy. However, the oppressive heat can be uncomfortable and take quite a bit out of you physically. If you suffer from varicose veins, the issue can be even more intense. You might notice that your varicose vein symptoms worsen during the summer, making it hard to maximize your enjoyment. Find out how the summer heat affects your varicose veins, along with some tips you can follow to alleviate your symptoms.
Varicose veins are a sign of venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency is caused by damaged vein valves resulting in excessive strain on the leg veins, causing them to become enlarged and twisted. Excessive blood pools in the veins, leading to swelling. The swelling creates uncomfortable and sometimes unbearable symptoms.
The summer heat causes your already swollen varicose veins, to widen further and fill with additional blood, worsening the symptoms. This also causes the veins to become more pronounced at your skin’s surface, so they are more visible to the naked eye.
Fortunately, you can do some things to limit problems during the summer.
Stay as cool as possible during the summer months. When possible, use air conditioning and fans to maintain a comfortable body temperature. When you go outside, wear sunscreen and cover up to prevent the sun’s rays from causing further damage to your varicose veins and the overlying skin.
You can also manage your varicose veins by staying hydrated in the summer. Drink plenty of water, while avoiding drinks with sugar or alcohol. Pair your water with healthy foods that lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. Along with helping you get healthier in general, eating healthy foods can keep your weight in check and reduce your symptoms.
You need to promote circulation, so exercise and put your feet up when you’re sitting down. Also, if you have painful symptoms, wear compression stockings. You’ll likely want to stay inside as much as possible when you have these on since they can be pretty hot.
While these strategies will help you manage your symptoms, the symptoms may get unbearable during the summer months. Fortunately varicose vein treatment has gotten easier than ever, so you can get back to enjoying your summer. There are non-surgical treatment options that close off varicose veins, quickly eliminating the symptoms and luckily there is no down time during or after treatments.
The Center for Varicose Veins provides non-surgical treatment options for patients suffering from varicose veins. Dr. Vinay Madan offers nonsurgical treatment options including endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, VenaSeal, sclerotherapy and more. Contact the Center for Varicose Veins to schedule a consultation with Dr. Madan.
